QA

Question: Why Does My Granite Feel Gritty

ANSWER: Grit on granite countertops is usually due to a low-grade / poor quality slab that cannot be fully polished. All the mineral grains of the granite will continue to flake off. Your options are to replace the countertop or apply a permanent topical coating to bind the granite surface.

Why is my new granite countertop rough?

The reason for gritty surfaces on granite kitchen countertops is most likely the fact that they were not correctly or completely finished in the first place. Poor quality granite slabs may have rough patches and simply not feel smooth as glass.

Why does my granite feel Sandy?

Low quality granite slabs are not applied with resin in the factory. This means that the durability of your countertops is significantly compromised because the voids in the surface were never filled. The granite countertop grittiness is a sign that your new kitchen surfaces aren’t structurally sound.

Should granite countertops feel rough?

If you’ve been wondering, “should granite counters have rough spots?” the simple answer is no. Rough spots, cracks, and other imperfections can harbor bacteria in your counters, and when it comes to areas we eat, this is a big no-no. To ensure the smooth look and feel of your countertops, as well as their cleanliness.

How do you smooth rough granite?

You’ll want the tool equipped with diamond-grit pads. Hold the flat edge of the polishing stone at a 45-degree angle, rubbing the rough area across the edge of the granite. Switch to a 25-degree angle if you plan to smooth out the rough edges by making them slightly round.

How do you fix gritty granite?

ANSWER: Grit on granite countertops is usually due to a low-grade / poor quality slab that cannot be fully polished. All the mineral grains of the granite will continue to flake off. Your options are to replace the countertop or apply a permanent topical coating to bind the granite surface.

How do you fix rough granite countertops?

To fix rough spots on a granite countertop, you can: Use epoxy resin to fill the hole and repair its smooth finish. Use a store-bought granite countertop repair kit. Hire a professional to do a longer-lasting repair.

Why is my granite countertop flaking?

Flaking (also called spalling) in natural stone is generally an indicator of sub-florescence, a condition in which mineral salts are carried into the stone by moisture and accumulate beneath the stone’s surface, creating stress within the pores of the stone. They may be inherent in the stone itself.

Why does my marble feel gritty?

There could be several reason your marble feels gritty. First, check to make sure that any seams you may have in the top are not falling apart. If the installer used grout this could be coming out and causing the gritty feeling. Another reason is that the marble may have areas that are breaking down.

Why is my granite countertop pitting?

“Pitting” occurs because of the crystalline composition of granite. When granite is cut and polished the deposits of soft minerals are removed leaving the appearance of pits on the surface. Fissures look like small, hairline cracks in the polished surface of the slab.

How do you make granite smooth and shiny?

To put a shine on your granite, pour a little cooking oil on a soft cleaning cloth and wipe it across the countertop. Buff it gently. This makes the counter a little bit stain-resistant and gives it a glossy shine. Even if you know how to clean countertops correctly, your granite will need to be resealed periodically.

Does sealing granite make it smooth?

ANSWER: The shiny smooth surface of the granite slab you saw in the showroom is exactly how a properly polished granite countertop should be. And just FYI no chemical or sealer makes the countertop smooth or shiny.

How often do you need to reseal granite?

Some experts will recommend sealing granite countertops every “6-12 months” or “3-5 years”, but there is no hard and fast rule.

Can you use sandpaper on granite?

If granite edges are already in good shape, you can use a 120 or 150 grit sandpaper and rub it over the edges to make them even. Working from coarse sandpaper to fine sandpaper will ensure the finest and smoothest finish. Polish the edges with the polishing compound.

Can granite be buffed?

Granite polishing powder: Also called stone polishing compound, powder offers a quick and easy way to put a fresh gleam on granite while removing minor scratches and stains. If using it dry, choose a buff polishing pad to work the polish over the surface of the granite in a steady, circular pattern.

Can granite be repolished?

Once you’ve re-polished on your granite surfaces, they need to be re-sealed. This will maintain the sheen while protecting porous stone from stains. Going Granite recommends a penetrating sealer because they offer the best protection for granite and most other stone surfaces.

Can you use Clorox wipes on granite?

You should avoid using acid-based cleaners — lemon, orange, vinegar or bleach-based — on granite. That means those Clorox disinfecting wipes (which contain citric acid) that make cleanup so easy are actually quite bad for your granite’s seal.

How can you tell the quality of granite?

Perform a thorough visual inspection of the granite slab. Look for any blemishes such as cracks, chips, discolorations, scratches, and dings. Also, be on the lookout for the uniformity of the surfaces. Check the edges if they are cut straight.